Ecofriendly biopolymers and composites: Preparation and their applications in water-treatment.

Over the past few decades, the term polymer has been repeatedly used in several industries for their immense characteristics in different applications. Polymers and their composites which were prepared from chemical monomer sources turned out to be potentially harmful to the environment due to their tedious degradation process. Biopolymers are natural substitutes for synthetic polymers which can be efficiently extricated from natural sources. They are predominantly available as polymeric units as well as monomeric units that are linked covalently. These environment-friendly biopolymers and their composites can be categorized based on their numerous sources, different methods of preparation and their potential form of usage. They were found to be biocompatible and biodegradable which make them exceptionally useful in environment based applications, mainly in the process of water treatment, both potable and wastewater. Further, the biopolymer and biopolymer composites easily fit into different parts of the treatment process by acting as filtration media, adsorbents, coagulants and as flocculants. The primary focus of this review is to provide a comprehensive information of biopolymers and biopolymer composites from synthesis to their usefulness for their productive application in water treatment processes. On the whole, it can be substantiated that the biopolymers were identified to play a notable adversary to the synthetic polymers in treating waters with an indispensable need for an elaborative study in the production of the biopolymers.

Nanotechnology based solutions to combat zoonotic viruses with special attention to SARS, MERS, and COVID 19: Detection, protection and medication.

Zoonotic viruses originate from birds or animal sources and responsible for disease transmission from animals to people through zoonotic spill over and presents a significant global health concern due to lack of rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The Corona viruses (CoV) were known to be transmitted in mammals. Early this year, SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of corona virus, was identified as the causative pathogen of an outbreak of viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The disease later named corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), subsequently spread across the globe rapidly. Nano-particles and viruses are comparable in size, which serves to be a major advantage of using nano-material in clinical strategy to combat viruses. Nanotechnology provides novel solutions against zoonotic viruses by providing cheap and efficient detection methods, novel, and new effective rapid diagnostics and therapeutics. The prospective of nanotechnology in COVID 19 is exceptionally high due to their small size, large surface-to-volume ratio, susceptibility to modification, intrinsic viricidal activity. The nano-based strategies address the COVID 19 by extending their role in i) designing nano-materials for drug/vaccine delivery, ii) developing nano-based diagnostic approaches like nano-sensors iii) novel nano-based personal protection equipment to be used in prevention strategies.This review aims to bring attention to the significant contribution of nanotechnology to mitigate against zoonotic viral pandemics by prevention, faster diagnosis and medication point of view.

Optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from custard apple peel: Potential and new source.

Pectin was extracted from the waste custard apple peel using ultrasound technique and optimized the extraction process by RSM. The various significant process parameters such as liquid-solid ratio, ultra-sonication time, temperature and pH of solution were studied in the range of 10-25 mL g-1, 10-30 min, 50-80 °C, and 1-3, respectively. The maximum yield of pectin (8.93%) was attained at the optimum condition of 23.52 mL g-1 of liquid-solid ratio, 18.04  min of ultra-sonication time, 63.22 °C of temperature and 2.3 pH of solution. The extracted and commercially available fresh pectin (for comparison purposes) were characterized by various analytical techniques namely, FTIR, DSC, XRD, SEM, and NMR to evaluate their functional groups, thermal properties, crystallinities, morphological and structural characteristics, respectively. The extracted pectin was a toxic free compound as determined by its anti nutritional property study and about 20 mg/mL of antioxidant presented in it.

Ultrasound assisted pectic polysaccharide extraction and its characterization from waste heads of Helianthus annus.

The main aim of this current work is to extract pectin from waste heads of Helianthus annus by ultrasound and optimize the process variables (ultrasound power (USP), pH, time of sonication (TS) and ratio of solid to liquid (RSL) on maximal recovery of pectin using central composite statistical experimental design. In addition to that, extracted pectin at optimal condition was characterized and compared with commercial pectin. The optimal extraction process condition was USP of 375w, pH of 3.2, TS of 32min and RSL of 1:15g/ml. Mean experimental pectin yield of 8.89±0.024% was well accord with predicted pectin yield (8.91%). Analysis of chemical composition and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of extracted pectin did not show any significant difference with commercial pectin. XRD analysis illustrated a similar crystalline profile in both extracted and commercial pectin. Morphological analysis was performed on fresh and extracted samples using scanning electron microscopy.

Ultrasound assisted citric acid mediated pectin extraction from industrial waste of Musa balbisiana.

The objectives of the present work are to extract pectin from industrial waste of Musa balbisiana by ultrasound assisted citric acid mediated extraction method and optimization was done through central composite statistical experimental design under response surface methodology. The outcomes of this study exhibited that, process variables (ultrasound power, pH and extraction time) had considerable influence on the pectin extraction. Second order mathematical equation was constructed to predict the data through regression analysis. The optimal extraction process condition was ultrasound power of 323w, pH of 3.2, extraction time of 27min and SL (solid-liquid) ratio of 1:15g/ml. The mean experimental yield of pectin (8.99±0.018%) was fine accord among predicted yield of pectin (9.02%).

Ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from waste Artocarpus heterophyllus fruit peel.

Four factors three level face centered central composite response surface design was employed in this study to investigate and optimize the effect of process variables (liquid-solid (LS) ratio (10:1-20:1ml/g), pH (1-2), sonication time (15-30min) and extraction temperature (50-70°C)) on the maximum extraction yield of pectin from waste Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit) peel by ultrasound assisted extraction method. Numerical optimization method was adapted in this study and the following optimal condition was obtained as follows: Liquid-solid ratio of 15:1ml/g, pH of 1.6, sonication time of 24min and temperature of 60°C. The optimal condition was validated through experiments and the observed value was interrelated with predicted value.

Modeling of polysaccharide extraction from Gossypium arboreum L. seed using central composite rotatable design.

The present study investigates the effect of independent variables such as extraction temperature (35-55 °C), time (1-5h) and solid-liquid ratio (1:5-1:25 g/ml) over the extraction yield of polysaccharide from Gossypium arboreum L. seeds was investigated and optimized. Aqueous extraction method was opted for the extraction of polysaccharide. Central composite response surface design was utilized for developing the experimental design. A second order polynomial mathematical model was developed from the obtained results. From the results, Significance of process variables over the extraction process can be clearly depicted. At the extraction temperature of 45 °C, extraction time of 3h and solid-liquid ratio of 1:15 g/ml maximum yield of polysaccharide (8.67%) from Gossypium arboreum L. seed was obtained. Characteristics of the extracted polysaccharide are analyzed through physico-chemical property analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).

Multivariate statistical analysis and optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of natural pigments from waste red beet stalks.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of natural pigment extraction from waste red beet stalks were optimized under four factors (extraction temperature, ultrasonic power, extraction time and solid-liquid ratio) by using three level Box-Behnken response surface design. Extraction temperature, ultrasonic power and solid-liquid ratio were significantly influenced the extraction yield of pigments. Extraction temperature of 53 °C, ultrasonic power of 89 w, extraction time of 35 min and SL ratio of 1:19 g/ml was identified as the optimal condition. Under this condition, the actual yield of (betacyanin of 1.28 ± 0.02 and betaxanthin of 5.31 ± 0.09 mg/g) pigments was well correlated with predicted values (betacyanin was 1.29 mg/g and betaxanthin was 5.32 mg/g).

Extraction of natural anthocyanin and colors from pulp of jamun fruit.

In this present study, natural pigment and colors from pulp of jamun fruit were extracted under different extraction conditions such as extraction temperature (40-60 ˚C), time (20-100 min) and solid-liquid ratio (1:10-1: 15 g/ml) by aqueous extraction method. Three factors with three levels Box-Behnken response surface design was employed to optimize and investigate the effect of process variables on the responses (total anthocyanin and color). The results were analyzed by Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) and second order polynomial models were developed to predict the responses. Optimum extraction conditions for maximizing the extraction yield of total anthocyanin (10.58 mg/100 g) and colors (10618.3 mg/l) were found to be: extraction temperature of 44 °C, extraction time of 93 min and solid-liquid ratio of 1:15 g/ml. Under these conditions, experimental values are closely agreed with predicted values.

Microwave-assisted extraction of pectic polysaccharide from waste mango peel.

This present study investigates the extraction characteristics and optimal parameters of the microwave-assisted extraction of pectin from waste mango peel (WMP). Microwave power, pH, time and solid-liquid ratio were selected as the extraction parameters and was studied by using Box-Behnken response surface design. The experimental data was analyzed by least square regression analysis method and a second order polynomial model was constructed for response from the experimental data. The constructed model was adequate to explain the relationships between independent variables and response. All studied factors had great influence on the yield of pectin by individually and interactively. The optimum microwave assisted extraction conditions for the highest pectin yield (28.86%) from WMP was found to be: microwave power of 413W, pH of 2.7, time of 134s and solid-liquid ratio of 1:18g/ml. The experimental value was well correlated with predicted value at the optimal condition.

Microwave-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from mulberry leaves.

In this study, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of polysaccharides from mulberry leaves was investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). The effects of three extraction factors on the yield of polysaccharides was examined. The results showed that optimum extraction conditions were determined as follows: weight of the sample of 20 g, microwave power of 170 W, extraction time of 10 min. Under these optimal extraction conditions, polysaccharide yield was found to be 9.41%. Three factors-three level Box-Behnken response surface design (BBD) coupled with RSM was used to model the extraction process. ANOVA was used to examine the statistical significance of the developed model. Extracted polysaccharide was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.

Comparison of response surface methodology and artificial neural network approach towards efficient ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from muskmelon oil.

The present study is to evaluate and compare the prediction and simulating efficiencies of response surface methodology (RSM) and artificial neural network (ANN) based models on fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) yield achieved from muskmelon oil (MMO) under ultrasonication by two step in situ process. In first in situ process, free fatty acid content of MMO was reduced from 6.43% to 0.91% using H2SO4 as acid catalyst and organic phase in the first step was subjected to second reaction by adding KOH in methanol as basic catalyst. The influence of process variables (methanol to oil molar ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature and reaction time) on conversion of FAME (second step) was investigated by central composite rotatable design (CCRD) of RSM and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) neural network with the topology of 4-7-1. Both (RSM and ANN) were statistically compared by the coefficient of determination, root mean square error and absolute average deviation, based on the validation data set. The coefficient of determination (R(2)) calculated from the validation data for RSM and ANN models were 0.869 and 0.991 respectively. While both models showed good predictions in this study. But, the ANN model was more precise compared to the RSM model and it showed that, ANN is to be a powerful tool for modeling and optimizing FAME production.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectin from sisal waste.

In this study, an efficient ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of pectin from sisal waste was investigated and optimized. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-level four-factor Box-Behnken response surface design (BBD) was employed to optimize the extraction conditions (ultrasonic power, extraction temperature, extraction time and solid-liquid ratio). Analysis of variance showed that the contribution of a quadratic model was significant for the pectin extraction yield. The experimental yield (29.32%) was obtained under the optimal condition (ultrasonic power of 61 W, temperature of 50°C, time of 26 min and SL ratio of 1:28 g/ml) was well agreement with predicted values. Therefore, ultrasound-assisted extraction could be used as an alternative method to extract pectin from sisal waste with the advantages of lower extraction temperatures, shorter extraction time and reduced energy consumption.

Process variables influence on microwave assisted extraction of pectin from waste Carcia papaya L. peel.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate and optimize the influence of process variables such as microwave power, pH, time and solid-liquid ratio on the extraction of pectin from waste Carcia papaya L peel. The experiments were carried out based on a four factors three level Box-Behnken response surface design. A quadratic model was developed from the experimental data in order to predict the pectin yield. The optimal condition was found to be: microwave power of 512 w, pH of 1.8, time of 140 s and solid-liquid ratio of 1:15 g/ml with maximum pectin yield (25.41%).

Response surface optimization of ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from pomegranate peel.

Ultrasound assisted extraction of pectin from waste pomegranate peel was investigated and optimized using Box-Behnken response surface design coupled with numerical optimization technique. The individual and interactive effect of process variables (solid-liquid ratio, pH, extraction time and temperature) on the pectin yield was studied. The experimental data obtained were analyzed by Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) and second-order polynomial models were developed using multiple regression analysis. The models developed from the experimental design were predictive and good fit with the experimental data with high coefficient of determination (R(2)) value. The optimal extraction condition was found to be 1:17.52 g/ml of solid-liquid ratio, 1.27 of pH, 28.31 min of extraction time and 61.90 °C of extraction temperature respectively. Under the optimal conditions, experimental yield was very close to the predicted values.

Statistical optimization of aqueous extraction of pectin from waste durian rinds.

The objectives of this present study was to investigate and optimize the aqueous extraction conditions such as solid-liquid (SL) ratio (1:5-1:15 g/ml), pH (2-3), extraction time (20-60 min) and extraction temperature (75-95 °C) on maximum extraction of pectin from durian rinds using four factors, three levels Box-Behnken response design. The experimental data obtained were fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis and analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimum extraction condition was found to be as follows: SL ratio of 1:10 g/ml, pH of 2.8, extraction time of 43 min and extraction temperature of 86 °C respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the experimental pectin yield (9.1%) was well correlated with predicted yield (9.3%).

Modeling and optimization of supercritical fluid extraction of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds from Syzygium cumini fruit pulp.

Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SC-CO2) of total anthocyanin and phenolic compounds from jamun fruits was investigated using three factors at three levels Box-Behnken response surface design. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of three independent variables (pressure, temperature and co-solvent flow rate) on the maximum extraction yield of anthocyanin and phenolic compounds from jamun fruits. From the experimental data, second order polynomial mathematical models were developed with high coefficient of determination values (R (2) > 0.98). From response surface plots, pressure, temperature and co-solvent flow rate exhibited independent and interactive effects on the extraction yields. Pressure of 162 bar, extraction temperature at 50 °C and co-solvent flow rate of 2.0 g/min was identified as optimal conditions. Under these optimal conditions, the experimental value agreed well with the predicted values and indicates the suitability of developed models.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharide from Nephelium lappaceum L. fruit peel.

In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction technology was employed to investigate and optimize the crude polysaccharide extraction from Nephelium lappaceum L. fruit peel using three levels, four factors (LS ratio, ultrasonic power, extraction temperature and extraction time) Box-Behnken response surface design. The results showed that highest polysaccharide yield of 8.31% was obtained with an LS ratio of 32:1 ml:g, ultrasonic power of 110 W, extraction temperature of 53°C and extraction time of 41 min. The experimental yield of polysaccharide (8.29±0.03%) at optimal condition was well agreed with the predicted value. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used for the identification of functional groups present in the extracted polysaccharide. The results suggest that ultrasound-assisted extraction could be a good alternative for the extraction of polysaccharide from N. lappaceum L. fruit peel at industrial level.

Degradation behavior of biocomposites based on cassava starch buried under indoor soil conditions.

Degradation of cassava (tapioca) starch based composite films during indoor soil burial experiments was analyzed using five factors, three levels Box-Behnken response surface design. From the results, it was observed that, increased water sorption promotes the entry of soil microorganism and it utilizes the starch films as a source of energy for their growth. The reduction in weight and mechanical property was associated with preferential loss of matrix components of the films. The microorganisms associated with the degradation of films were quantified and identified. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the formation of patterns and cracks on the surface of the materials aged in the soils. From the results, second order polynomial models were developed for the responses. The results of the study demonstrated that, the tapioca starch based composites were showed a limited lifetime in biotic environment which make them suitable for being disposed in landfills after their use.

Development of model for barrier and optical properties of tapioca starch based edible films.

The film forming solutions composed of tapioca (cassava) starch (1-3 g), glycerol (0.5-1.0 ml), agar (0.5-1.0 g) and span 80 (0.1-0.5 ml) were prepared according to a three-level, four-factor Box-Behnken response surface experimental design. The films were obtained by casting method and they are homogenous and transparent. The influence of film composition (tapioca starch, glycerol, agar and span80) on the barrier and optical properties of the tapioca starch based edible films was evaluated. The results showed that, hydrophilic nature and plasticizing effect of glycerol increases the water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, moisture content, solubility and swelling capacity of the films. But surfactant (span80) incorporation reduces the mobility of the polysaccharide matrix and decreases the barrier properties of the films. Transparency of the films was influenced by plasticizer and surfactant concentration due to the dilution effect of glycerol and span80. The results were analyzed by Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) and second-order polynomial models were developed using multiple regression analysis. The models developed from the experimental design were predictive and good fit with the experimental data with high coefficient of determination (R(2)) values (more than 0.95). The optimized conditions were obtained were tapioca starch of 1.95 g, glycerol of 0.8 ml, agar of 0.7 g and span 80 of 0.3 ml, respectively.